Illinois Department of Agriculture

Nineteen local food projects were awarded grants aimed at strengthening the local food system and increase access to agricultural products grown and raised in Illinois.

Daily in-person and virtual events packed the Illinois Soil Health Week docket, including two days at the state capitol.

A celebration of agriculture that crossed generations kicked off the 54th annual Illinois Agricultural Legislative Day. The event drew nearly 50 diverse agricultural organizations and about 1,000 FFA members together to meet with lawmakers.

The alphabet soup of diverse conservation funding for farmers was the focus of one of the breakout sessions during the recent Soybean Summit.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture plans to distribute more than $545,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the federal farm bill.

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts announced the appointment of Michael Woods as its new CEO.

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy’s biennial report featured what’s been done and what needs to be done in the non-point source sector.

Illinois Department of Agriculture is implementing its fifth year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program. Funding of eligible acreage is on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15.

The Illinois agriculture industry would not be where it is today without the hard work, time and efforts put forth by passionate leaders. In appreciation of these leaders’ efforts, the Illinois Soybean Association created its annual Achievement Awards.

University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshop schedule.

To commemorate the company’s long-term commitment to the state of Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a proclamation naming 2023 as the 85th anniversary of Prairie Farms Dairy.

Bipartisan legislation that creates the Healthy Soils Initiative and commits to improved coordination between the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Soil and Water Conservation Districts was signed into law.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation establishing the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers.

Visitors to the Department of Agriculture tent during the first weekend of the Illinois State Fair were treated to the diversity of locally grown food and products.

Visitors to the Illinois State Fair that kicked off this week and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20, will see numerous infrastructure improvements and more on the horizon.